Community Resources

Libraries:

The public libraries in the area offer discounted admission to many local attractions, such as zoos, museums, etc. Visit the reception desk at a local library for more information. Check out the “Children’s” links for information about upcoming programs, events, story times, playgroups, etc.

Playgrounds:

  • Ted Lane Field (Westbrook) - behind the Firehouse

  • Westbrook Beach Playground (Westbrook) - next to Westbrook Town Beach parking lot

  • Essex Playground (Essex) - across from the library

  • Trask Park with splash pad (Old Saybrook)

  • Town Woods Park (Old Lyme)

  • Cross Lane Playground (Old Lyme)

  • Grove Street Park & Playground (Essex)

  • Playscape and picnic area (Clinton) - located between Big Y and Starbucks

  • Clinton Town Beach Playground (Clinton) - Free after 3pm during beach pass season, or free all day after Labor Day

Connecticut State Parks:

**You do not need a park pass to CT state parks if you are a resident

  • Rocky Neck State Park (East Lyme)

  • Harness Memorial State Park (Waterford)

  • Chatfield Hollow (Killingworth)

  • Hammonasset State Park (Madison)

Local Beaches:

  • Westbrook Town Beach

  • Harvey’s Beach (Old Saybrook)

  • Hammonasset State Park (Madison)

  • Rocky Neck State Park (East Lyme)

Local Lakes:

  • Viney Hill Brook Park (Essex)

  • Cedar Lake (Chester)

  • Uncas Lakes (off Route 156 between Lyme & Old Lyme)

  • Chatfield Hollow (Killingworth)

Local Hiking Trails: http://www.visitconnecticut.com/state/walking-and-hiking/

Family Fun:

  • Niantic Children’s Museum: https://www.nianticchildrensmuseum.org/

  • Mini Golf at Saybrook Point: https://oldsaybrookct.myrec.com/info/facilities/details.aspx?FacilityID=8307

    • Mondays are discounted days for children and Wednesdays are discounted for seniors (60+)

    • Open seasonally, full concession stand

  • Ray of Light Farm (East Haddam): https://www.rayoflightfarm.org

    • Small non-profit animal rescue and animal-assisted therapy center with programs and events for kids

  • Dinosaur State Park (Rocky Hill): https://ctparks.com/parks/dinosaur-state-park

    • One of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Surrounding their exhibit center is more than two miles of nature trails and the arboretum. Activities, demos, gem and fossil “mining”, track casting and more for kids

  • Yale Planetarium (New Haven): https://leitnerobservatory.yale.edu/

    • Check the website for designated Public Nights that take place weather permitting. On Public Nights, they present planetarium shows, and, if the skies are clear, they open up their telescopes for public viewing of stars, planets, and nebulae.

  • Lenny & Joe’s Carousel (Madison): https://www.ljfishtale.com/charity-carousel

    • $1.50/ride and benefits charity. Grab a bite while you're there too!

  • Kids Workshops at Home Depot (Waterford): https://www.homedepot.com/c/kids-workshop

    • Free in-store kids workshops on the first Saturday of each month where your kids can complete real projects, like a planter or bird feeder.

  • Peek-a-Brew Playcafe (Old Saybrook): https://www.peekabrewplaycafe.com

    • The ultimate play café for families and friends! Our cozy, vibrant space is designed for children to explore, create, and have fun while caretakers relax and enjoy delicious coffee, light bites, and more.

Classes & Groups:

  • Community Music School (Centerbrook): https://cmsct.org/programs/music-together/

    • “Every week in our music classes at Community Music School, babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grownups who love them come together to play together musically. Little ones love playing along in class, and caregivers love being a part of their children’s growth into confident music-makers. And everyone loves our songs that’ll have you tapping along in no time. Music Together® is the perfect family activity in Centerbrook, CT.”

  • Mother Luna (Guilford): https://www.motherlunact.com/home

    • “Mother Luna is a nurturing and inclusive space, dedicated to empowering mothers and their families at every stage of their journey, from pregnancy through all phases of motherhood.”

    • Offers prenatal support, postpartum fitness classes & yoga (Baby-wearing Dance Class, Stroller Fit, etc.), playgroups, workshops, and more

  • Amy’s Active Learning (Clinton): https://www.amysactivelearning.com/

    • Offers classes, workshops, movie nights, and summer programs for ages 0-10

  • Valley Shore YMCA (Westbrook) : https://vsymca.org/swim-lessons/?selectedCategories=TAG8945,TAG7311,TAG7312,TAG7309

    • Swim lessons (Parent & Child swim lessons are for ages 6 months – 3 years old, Preschool swim lessons are for ages 3 – 5 years old)

  • Stay & Play @ Essex Public Library: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsCalendar.cfm?SiteID=1314

    • “Stay & Play is a pop-in social time for children and their caregivers. Come for a few minutes, or stay for a couple hours! This is your time to socialize, and make memories with your child.”

Miscellaneous:

Early Childhood Consultation Partnership (ECCP): https://www.cgccentralct.org

  • “The Early Childhood Consultation Partnership (ECCP)® is a state-wide initiative designed to offer free, mental health consultation to early childhood educators and families. These services focus on healthy social and emotional development of children birth to five. The continuum of services includes brief phone consultation, child-specific consultation, and intensive center-based consultation. Interventions are largely determined through a collaborative, relationship-based approach among directors, teachers, families, and consultants.” 

Kidtivity: https://kidtivity.com

  • Site to find activities for Connecticut kids & families